Thread: 'Katharine' in Russian

I'm trying to figure out the correct transliteration of my name (Katharine). This is a little strange, since there isn't the "Th" sound in Russian. I was thinking it might be something like Катaрин.

Any ideas?

You're right. "TH" is usually transliterated as "T" (Thames - Темза, theatre - театр).
What's about your name - the traditional spelling is Кэтрин (russian equivalent is Катерина/Екатерина/Катя).

Thank you!

Originally Posted by FUBAR

I'm trying to figure out the correct transliteration of my name (Katharine). This is a little strange, since there isn't the "Th" sound in Russian. I was thinking it might be something like Катaрин.
Any ideas?

Indeed, in Russian you will be Екатерина (but I prefer Катюша)!

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

You're right. "TH" is usually transliterated as "T" (Thames - Темза, theatre - театр).

Actually, English / Latin "th" is nothing but Greek letter "theta", that corresponded to old Russian "fita"... After 1918 year "simplifying" reform of Russian language, this letter had disappeared, and was replaced with "f" ("Ф", or "Ферт"). That's why in some of old Russian books (for example, in Karamzin's "The History of Russian State") we see "феатр" instead of "театр" and "кафолический" instead of "католический". And, by the way, even now we say "Афины" (Athens) and "Карфаген" (Carthage)...

Originally Posted by PrincetonLion

Originally Posted by FUBAR

I'm trying to figure out the correct transliteration of my name (Katharine). This is a little strange, since there isn't the "Th" sound in Russian. I was thinking it might be something like Катaрин.
Any ideas?

Indeed, in Russian you will be Екатерина (but I prefer Катюша)!

You are doing it again!

This is not her name! If a guy called John came on and asked how to spell his name in Russian would you say Иван?

Originally Posted by TATY

Originally Posted by PrincetonLion

Originally Posted by FUBAR

I'm trying to figure out the correct transliteration of my name (Katharine). This is a little strange, since there isn't the "Th" sound in Russian. I was thinking it might be something like Катaрин.
Any ideas?

Indeed, in Russian you will be Екатерина (but I prefer Катюша)!

You are doing it again!

This is not her name! If a guy called John came on and asked how to spell his name in Russian would you say Иван?

Ok, just out of curiosity, then, if someone's last name in English was "Black" or "White," would Russians consider it odd to call them John Chernyy or John Belyy?

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Ok, just out of curiosity, then, if someone's last name in English was "Black" or "White," would Russians consider it odd to call them John Chernyy or John Belyy?

Oh yes, Ваня Белый or Ваня Чёрный sounds really cool!

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Originally Posted by TATY

Originally Posted by PrincetonLion

Originally Posted by FUBAR

I'm trying to figure out the correct transliteration of my name (Katharine). This is a little strange, since there isn't the "Th" sound in Russian. I was thinking it might be something like Катaрин.
Any ideas?

Indeed, in Russian you will be Екатерина (but I prefer Катюша)!

You are doing it again!

This is not her name! If a guy called John came on and asked how to spell his name in Russian would you say Иван?

Ok, just out of curiosity, then, if someone's last name in English was "Black" or "White," would Russians consider it odd to call them John Chernyy or John Belyy?

Of course you don't do that. Don't be silly.

Бритни Копья :P

Originally Posted by PrincetonLion

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

You're right. "TH" is usually transliterated as "T" (Thames - Темза, theatre - театр).

Actually, English / Latin "th" is nothing but Greek letter "theta", that corresponded to old Russian "fita"... After 1918 year "simplifying" reform of Russian language, this letter had disappeared, and was replaced with "f" ("Ф", or "Ферт"). That's why in some of old Russian books (for example, in Karamzin's "The History of Russian State") we see "феатр" instead of "театр" and "кафолический" instead of "католический". And, by the way, even now we say "Афины" (Athens) and "Карфаген" (Carthage)...

Fanks a lot for everyfing!

I can't believe you didn't mention Дарт Вейдер!

Originally Posted by TATY

Бритни Копья :P

Touche. Well-played. Although, in parentheses I would have added: (т.е. Бритни Блядь).

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Originally Posted by TATY

Бритни Копья :P

Touche. Well-played. Although, in parentheses I would have added: (т.е. Бритни Блядь).

Also in English would Enrique Iglesias ever be referred to as Ricky Churches?

Originally Posted by TATY

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Originally Posted by TATY

Бритни Копья :P

Touche. Well-played. Although, in parentheses I would have added: (т.е. Бритни Блядь).

Also in English would Enrique Iglesias ever be referred to as Ricky Churches?

No; I refer to him as "that really whiny sounding guy whose 15 minutes of fame for no reason other than his dad was famous ended aloooong time ago."